Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Mudras, symbolic hand gestures, serve as a fundamental element in Indian classical dance and sculpture, conveying a wide range of emotions, characters, and narratives.

• The origins of mudras can be traced back to ancient Indian texts like the Natyashastra, a treatise on the performing arts written by Bharata Muni.

Body

Mudras in Indian Classical Dance:

Mudras are integral to classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Kuchipudi. They serve multiple purposes:

• Portray Characters: In Bharatanatyam, the Krishna mudra (flute-playing gesture) instantly identifies the character of Lord Krishna in mythological narratives.
• Represent Objects: The Padma mudra represents a lotus, often used in dances depicting nature or divine beings.
• Depict Actions: In Kathak, the Tarjani mudra (pointing finger) is used to show threatening or commanding actions.
• Express Emotions: The Karuna mudra, depicting compassion, is frequently employed in Odissi to portray nurturing characters like mothers or goddesses.
  • Tribhanga Mudra, involves a three-bend posture, creating a sense of grace and elegance.
• Transcending Language Barriers: Mudras serve as a universal language, transcending linguistic barriers.
  • Dancers can use stories to audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds. For example, Pataka Mudra, with all fingers extended, represents a flag or banner, often used to symbolize victory or celebration and Anjali Mudra, with palms joined together, conveys respect and reverence.

Mudras in Indian Sculpture:

Sculptural mudras identify deities, convey attributes, and narrate stories:

• Buddha Statues: The Bhumisparsha mudra (touching the earth) is seen in sculptures of Buddha at the moment of enlightenment, such as those at Sarnath.
• Hindu Deities: The famous Nataraja bronze sculpture of Shiva as the Lord of Dance combines multiple mudras, including the Damaru mudra (drum-holding) symbolizing creation.
• Narrative Scenes: Temple reliefs, like those at Khajuraho, use mudras to depict complex mythological stories without words.

Contemporary Relevance:

• Modern Dance: Choreographer Chandralekha famously incorporated traditional mudras into her contemporary work "Sharira," blending classical and modern forms.
• Health Practices: The Gyan mudra (thumb and index finger touching) is widely used in yoga and meditation for its purported concentration-enhancing effects.

Conclusion

Mudras are a vital component of Indian classical dance and sculpture, serving as a powerful language for conveying meaning and emotion. Their historical origins, their role in storytelling, and their cross-cultural influence demonstrate their enduring significance as a form of artistic expression.